The 23rd episode of TBS Sunday Drama 『VIVANT』 Season 2, which aired on Sunday, 1 November 2026, introduced Elisha Mamadov — a character holding the key to the story’s central mystery. When it was revealed that the simultaneous interpreter voice for Elisha was provided by legendary voice actor Furukawa Toshio (古川登志夫), social media erupted with excitement.

About VIVANT

『VIVANT』is a spy-action drama that first aired on 16 July 2023 in TBS’s prestigious Sunday Drama slot. Written, directed, and produced by Fukuzawa Katsuo, the series follows Nogi Yusuke (played by Sakai Masato), an ordinary employee at a major trading company who becomes embroiled in a global conspiracy after a 13-billion-yen wire transfer error sends him to the fictional Central Asian nation of “Balka Republic.” Along the way he meets Public Security officer Nozaki Mamoru (played by Abe Hiroshi) and World Medical Organization doctor Yuzuki Kaoru (played by Nikaido Fumi), and his true identity gradually comes to light.

The series won the Grand Prix in the serial drama category at the Tokyo Drama Award 2024 and swept multiple major categories at the 117th Television Academy Drama Awards, becoming a genuine social phenomenon. Season 2 launched on 26 July 2026.

A Parade of Star Voice Actors

One of Season 2’s defining features has been its use of top-tier voice talent for AI characters and simultaneous interpreter roles. Names such as Takayama Minami, Seki Tomokazu, Koyama Rikiya, Kaida Yuko, Takagi Wataru, Nakamura Yuichi, Enoki Junya, Kito Akari, Wakamoto Norio, Yamaji Kazuhiro, Ogata Megumi, Morikawa Toshiyuki, and Namikawa Daisuke have all appeared, with each new casting announcement sending a different name trending on social media. Most recently, Episode 21 (18 October 2026) featured Otsuka Akio voicing the fan-favourite character Chinggis, drawing widespread praise.

Episode 23: Elisha Mamadov and Furukawa Toshio

Episode 23 picks up with Nogi’s team overcoming the cliffhanger crisis from the previous week. They storm Tairan’s hideout, successfully negotiate, and manage to drive out “Xinxi.” They then finally come face to face with Elisha Mamadov — the biological father of Jameen (a.k.a. Prisha) and the man who holds critical nuclear fusion data. Using the translation device familiar from Season 2, Nogi draws out the truth from Elisha.

The simultaneous interpreter voice for Elisha was provided by Furukawa Toshio, the iconic voice behind Piccolo in the Dragon Ball series, Moroboshi Ataru in Urusei Yatsura, Kai Shiden in Mobile Suit Gundam, and Portgas D. Ace in ONE PIECE.

Interestingly, many viewers didn’t recognise the voice immediately while watching, with comments like “Who’s dubbing Elisha?” appearing in real time. Once the casting was confirmed after broadcast, the reactions poured in:

• “I had absolutely no idea it was Furukawa-san!”
• “The dubbing was so natural I couldn’t catch it at all.”
• “The moment I found out, I got chills.”

“Piccolo and Cell” — The Dragon Ball Connection

The most widely shared reaction online centred on the Dragon Ball connection. Since Furukawa Toshio voices Piccolo and Wakamoto Norio — who voices the villain Tairan in VIVANT — is the voice of Cell in Dragon Ball, fans were quick to point out the irony:

• “Piccolo getting held captive by Cell lol”
• “Well, if it’s Piccolo vs. Cell, Cell is stronger anyway.”

Furukawa Toshio’s Heartfelt Post

After the broadcast, Furukawa Toshio posted on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account alongside a photo of VIVANT-branded Hato Sable cookies, writing: “I am so happy to have been part of this. My sincere gratitude.” Fans responded with an outpouring of appreciation, calling his performance “deeply moving” and praising his “breathtaking vocal acting.”

The Finale Is Almost Here

『VIVANT』is heading into its final episode this weekend. Will the special unit manage to stop Xinxi and secure the nuclear fusion data? And will the shot Nozaki survive? Anticipation for the conclusion is at an all-time high.

Programme Information: 日曜劇場『VIVANT』

• Broadcast: Every Sunday, 21:00–21:54 JST on TBS
• Writer / Director / Producer: Fukuzawa Katsuo
• Producer: Iida Kazuyuki
• Cast: Sakai Masato, Abe Hiroshi, Nikaido Fumi, and others